You expect me to talk? No Mr Bond I expect you to buy

We were reminded today about the grim realities of life in the global intelligence community, with the discovery of a thus far unidentified body in a London flat. Such stories have become increasingly common place since the end of the Cold War, as many governments have opened up (relativity speaking) and comment more regularly upon matters of state intelligence. So much so in fact, its now often forgotten that the British Government only recently publicly acknowledged the very existence of SIS. Now they even have an official website.

Before this time the complexities of international espionage were a mystery to the general public. All we had to go on were the entertainment industries best attempts to turn this unknown world into an exciting (and often slightly camp) two hours of fast cars, women and guns. In such a world James Bond was never puzzled by the ill defined notion of the Britain he was fighting for, nor was he ever concerned by his carbon footprint. As a result, many could be said to hold an overly romanticised image of this world; as something they can buy into for its ‘promises’ of thrills, excitement and sex.

Stijn Reijnders has explored the increasing profitable world of James Bond tourism in Area’s September 2010 issue. In it he details the journeys of 007 “pilgrims” as they visit various locations from Bond films across London and the wider world. From a simple door way to SIS headquarters itself, these pilgrims relive their favourite Bond moments; wishing, if only for an instant, to be part of that world. However, it seems unlikely to me that these same fans would find as much joy reflecting upon locations like Piccadilly’s Itsu sushi restaurant.